Major Setback to Miami Heat’s Ambitions as Jimmy Butler Ousted From Lakers Game With Injury

Thinking about a Miami Heat and Los Angeles Lakers face-off is a reminder of the 2020 NBA Finals. It’s the 2021-22 campaign now, and the situation has changed drastically. Both these teams hardly had any luck in the previous season and have now met for a rematch.

The only difference is, this time, the Heat have been a far better team than this LA team so far. With a much better record and a healthier roster, the Lakers seemed to head into trouble. Until Jimmy Butler also became a victory to the injury woes.

Jimmy Butler will not return after an ankle sprain

The Miami Heat have been very impressive this season. If they hadn’t had a blowout loss against the Denver Nuggets, they would have been at the top of the Eastern Conference. But even with a 7-3 record, Miami is in the top three. Winning the matchup against the Lakers will bring them back to the top.

On the other hand, the Lakers’ investment in Russell Westbrook is yet to pay off. With so many players missing from the rotation because of injuries, Russ was supposed to take over as a leader in LeBron James‘ absence. However, that’s hardly been the case. Hence, they have a 6-5 record, after barely defeating the Charlotte Hornets in the previous game.

Surprisingly, the purple and gold started off much better than expected against a team that is dominating on both ends of the floor. In fact, the first quarter ended with them having a three-point lead. Of course, Anthony Davis’ presence makes all the difference in the world. The cherry on top is Jimmy Butler sustaining an ankle injury, and not be returning.

Jimmy Butler sustained a sprained right ankle against the Lakers and will not return, the team says.

— Malika Andrews (@malika_andrews) November 11, 2021

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The Lakers need this win desperately

Unlike the Lakers, the Miami Heat have quite a healthy roster. Even without Butler, they have Bam Adebayo’s spectacular defense, along with the future Sixth Man of the Year, Tyler Herro leading in points, ready to crush them. So, Butler’s exit should not be a reason for the Lakers to start taking the game lightly. The Heat will be even more motivated to take a victory home with their superstar out.

The Lakers have shown us this season, that they can blow any lead. So, it means that this game could turn around very quickly. If AD doesn’t get the support he needs, even with a force as powerful as Jimmy out, this game could slip from their hands.

Nov 10, 2021; Los Angeles, California, USA; Miami Heat guard Tyler Herro (14) moves to the basket against Los Angeles Lakers center Dwight Howard (39) during the first half at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Richard Mackson-USA TODAY Sports

Winning this is vital for the organization to keep its head above water. Otherwise, before LeBron comes, it could be too late to rescue them. Will Butler’s absence be a boon or bane for the Lakers?

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